Year 8 English students recently completed a range of visual literacy exercises, in which picture books were shown and students were asked to critically analyse images presented. 

After learning about the numerous visual techniques behind image production, including body language and gaze, composition, contrast, and framing, students were tasked with writing a story based on their own analysis of an image presented.   

Paris R (8W) penned a thought-provoking story after seeing the following image.

You must do as you’re told.

“You must do as you’re told.” The words ring over and over again in my head.

They don’t understand me. They don’t know why I do it. “You must do as you’re told.” What if what you’re told to do is not right?

They don’t know what I am doing. If I leave the house at night, they know. If I take more food than I need, they know. “You must do as you’re told” they say. “You must do as you’re told.”

Just because they are older than you, they think they know how the world works. There is a reason why I grab extra food, but never eat it all. There is a reason why I run away at night. There is a

reason that I do not do as I am told.

“You must do as you’re told.” Let me be me. “You must do as you’re told.” I am right. “You must do as you’re told.” I am helping the world be right. “You must do as you’re told.”

If only they realised what I am doing is right. If only they could listen and see. If only they could finally understand. Why don’t they? How can I tell them? They think they are right but they keep doing wrong. If only they knew.